Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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Ecosystem Dynamics – Bandicoots

S6 Ecosystem Dynamics Bandicoots

Biology: Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

 

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Overview

To determine the suitability of a site to introduce fox mitigation, scientists must first learn about the animal and then find evidence of the presence of an endangered animal in an area.

During the fieldwork day, students will collect scientific data to determine which of two potential wildlife camera sites is the more suitable for a Southern Brown Bandicoot sampling.

Inquiry questions

What effect can Southern Brown Bandicoots have on other species in a community?

How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?

Fieldwork Inquiry Question

How do scientists determine where fox mitigation should take place to protect endangered species?

Excursion locations

This program is offered at the following locations. Click on an image to find out more.

*Note: Excursions at Muogamarra operate in Terms 2 and 3 only.

Pre-excursion work

Students are expected to complete pre-visit work to ensure they are able to complete the fieldwork. This includes an in-depth research of the Southern Brown Bandicoot features and niche. Once completed, students will use this information to plan an investigation.

Abiotic Investigation

Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the abiotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a Southern Brown Bandicoot population and therefore a targeted camera setup site.

Abiotic features to be measured include soil texture, soil pH, soil temperature, aspect, slope, light intensity, air temperature and humidity.

Biotic Investigation

Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the biotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a Southern Brown Bandicoot population and therefore a targeted camera setup site.

Biotic features to be measured include an invertebrate survey, scat and tracks identification, ground cover and vegetation survey

Aboriginal Histories and Cultures

Students will learn about the local Aboriginal people and some of the traditional management strategies.

Students will also lean about the importance of the Koorawull (Bandicoot) to the local Aboriginal People and visit a traditional Aboriginal site.

Human Impacts

Students will learn about the human impacts on SBB populations in the park and discuss possible management strategies to limit the impact.

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, number of students and weather.

Time Class A Class B Class C
10.00am

Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome

Review of pre-visit material
10.30am Morning Tea
10.50am Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection Aboriginal cultural site visit Aboriginal cultural site visit
11.40am Aboriginal cultural site visit Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection
12.20pm Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection
1.00pm Data analysis

Organism interactions

Human impacts

 Data analysis
1.15pm

Organism interactions

Human impacts

 Data analysis

Organism interactions

Human impacts
1.30pm Lunch and toilets
2.00m Finish and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

Bobbin Head

Kalkari to Bobbin Head

Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Cowan (Terms 2 and 3 only)

West Head
Bus access map

Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation

Please ensure you print a copy and provide to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.
Cost

2025 DoE $24 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $30 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class. 

NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition
Class numbers and size

Up to 4 classes

Max. 30 students per class
Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation
What to bring

Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask.

Students wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather
 On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments.
Medical notifications
 Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation BIO11/12-1

> designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-2

> conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-3

> selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media BIO11/12-4

> analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-5

> analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem BIO11-11

Content

Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics

Population Dynamics

Students:

  • investigate and determine relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, including:

        - the impact of abiotic factors

        - the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships

        - the ecological niches occupied by species

        - predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease

        - measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques

Past Ecosystems

Students: 

  • analyse palaeontological and geological evidence that can be used to provide evidence for past changes in ecosystems, including but not limited to:

        - Aboriginal rock engravings, middens

Future Ecosystems

Students: 

  • investigate changes in past ecosystems that may inform our approach to the management of future ecosystems, including:

        - the role of human-induced selection pressures on the extinction of species

        - the role of changing climate on ecosystems 

 

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017

Program Resources

Resource Hub

Bandicoot Resource Hub

The Bandicoot Resource Hub supports the fieldwork program and includes pre-visit activities, teacher programming outline and resources. This resources will support schools/students wanting to complete this as a depth study. Please contact the Centre for more information.

Virtual Fieldwork

Bandicoot Virtual Fieldwork

The Bandicoot Virtual Fieldwork site is an online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork. Please contact the Centre for more information.

Related content

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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